Day: Jul 17, 2025

As a “British” citizen, Patrick Cleburne joined the 41st Infantry Regiment of Foot of the British Army (serving between 1846-1849) rising to the rank of “Corporal” (and NCO signified by two-chevron stripes worn on the upper-shoulder – pointing-down). He served in the Garrison of Spike Island, situated in Cork Harbour. Here, the British Authorities brutally “processed” ethnic Irish prisoners – and Cleburne got to learn first-hand what anti-Irish racism was really like. Due to this experience, he eventually emigrated with his family to the United States, and was accepted with open arms by the people of Arkansas. He was not interested in preserving slavery and certainly did not own any slaves himself. As he appreciated the kindness of the Southern people – he decided to enlist as a “Private” soldier in the “Yell Rifles” – a local Militia in Arkansas. As these local grass-roots Confederate Units were entirely democratic in nature, all NCOs and Officers were elected by popular vote. This is how Cleburne was elected to the rank of “Captain”. Quite extraordinarily, when the Local Militias and Guards Unit were reformed with many being integrated into Infantry Regiments proper that constituted the Confederate States Army – Patrick Cleburne rose through the ranks to Major-General (CSA).